Monday, January 26, 1998Last modified at 12:46 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 1998

Mauro retains support for Clinton

DALLAS (AP) - Texas Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Garry Mauro said recent allegations of sexual improprieties won't deter him from asking President Bill Clinton to visit the state on his behalf.

"I will invite Bill Clinton to Texas," Mauro said last week.

Already, Mauro fund-raisers headlined by first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton are set to be in Dallas and Austin on Feb. 19, the campaign announced.

"The president and first lady are my friends. I believe and support them," said Mauro, who ran Clinton's presidential campaigns in Texas.

Mauro said he believes allegations that Clinton had an affair with a White House intern and then urged her to lie about it were manufactured by political enemies.

"I don't think it's reputable. I think when all the yellow journalism comes to an end, you're going to find no substance."

Clinton has denied the accusations, which independent counsel Kenneth Starr is investigating.

Mauro has been a friend of the Clintons since they worked together for Democrat George McGovern's 1972 presidential campaign.

"The legal process is now engaged, and we ought to let it take its course," Mauro said.

Aides to Republican Gov. George W. Bush and other GOP officials previously have tried to capitalize on Mauro's ties to Clinton, who did not carry Texas in his two presidential runs.

Bush himself said Friday he was "deeply troubled" about the accusations against Clinton.

"When I first heard the story, I was deeply troubled because if the allegations are true, this is bad for our country," Bush said. "I would caution people to let the facts speak, but it's troubling times."

Another Republican leader from Texas, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Archer of Houston, declined to take any partisan shots in an appearance on "Fox News Sunday."